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Danks, others see opportunity in Viciedo's absence

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Danks' single 0:34

4/17/13: Jordan Danks hits a single to right field in the top of the ninth inning off Ramon Ortiz

By Scott Merkin
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MLB.com |

CHICAGO -- Jordan Danks finished 2013 Cactus League work with 12 hits in his last 20 at-bats after employing a wider base in his stance. He took that change to Triple-A Charlotte, where the left-handed-hitting, slick-fielding outfielder posted a .333 average with two homers and five RBIs before rejoining the White Sox on Wednesday in Toronto.

With Dayan Viciedo going to the disabled list on Saturday because of a strained left oblique, Danks might get to test his changed approach on a more regular basis.

"Last year, I knew my role was going to be the off-the-bench kind of guy and an occasional start here and there," said Danks, who credited his stance change with getting him back to the Majors. "But with Viciedo going down, I feel like there's going to be a lot more playing time. I'll kind of utilize the opportunity."

Danks started Saturday's contest in center, with Alejandro De Aza moving to left, where he is more comfortable defensively. Dewayne Wise and Blake Tekotte, who was called up to replace Viciedo, also can play center and will get playing time in Viciedo's absence.

"Just come out here and try to help this team win, do whatever I can and what they ask of me," Tekotte said. "Just play that role, whether it's sitting on the bench, coming off the bench for pinch-running or defense. I'll do whatever I can do."

"Obviously, we're a little left-handed now, which is a little bit ironic given some of the criticisms this past offseason," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said. "But we felt Blake, given his speed and his defensive ability, was a nice fit to give Robin and the coaches a few other options and a little different look. We'll consider reshuffling at some point if it's not the right mix."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.